Bicycling As A Hobby

Biking at Sunset

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Bicycling is Fun

Bicycling which is riding on a cycle equipped with two tires; one in front and one in back has been an enjoyable hobby and mode of transportation for a few hundred years. One may think it old fashion to be riding a bicycle; however, it is still a favored mode of transportation around the world.

Bikes are used by:

Policemen on patrol

City dwellers use these wheels for transportation

Children transport themselves to and from school

Delivery services such as mail, pizzas, courier items, newspapers, and more

Hobbyists use bicycles for:

Weekend touring through city streets, country parks, bicycle paths

Bicycle clubs to meet new people, challenges, and to explore different options

Racing meets and events

Physical fitness program and weight loss

A Child's First Bike

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The First Bicycle

Do you remember the first year of your life when you received your first bicycle?

I do, and it was the most exciting gift I ever received on a Christmas Day.

For many of us who received a bicycle it represented our freedom for transportation. We could ride to our friend’s house, ride to school, or just get together with family or friends for a day’s outing.

It is still a great way in our modern world for many of us to enjoy an outdoor activity. There are no age barriers. There is a bike design to fit our needs.

One can bicycle alone or bicycle with another or in a group. Alone or together with others cycling is a great outdoor form of recreation, exercise, and outdoor entertainment.

Crossbar versus No Crossbar

Boy bike with a crossbar and girl bike without a crossbar. | Source

Girl Bike vs Boy Bike

Girls bikes are designed smaller to accommodate the female anatomy. Boy's bikes are bigger because males are larger.

The crossbar is missing or lower on a girl's bike because in the early days of biking girls and women wore skirts and dresses and the bar being lower or missing made for easier bike mounting.

Boy's bikes have the crossbar, but nowadays this bar is starting to disappear. It was once thought that the crossbar served to strengthen and stabilize the bike; not true.

But since the female gender does not wear skirts as they did in the earlier years it matters not about the crossbar. It is just a matter of personal preference and how the bike is to be used.

Josh and Nikki Bike Across America

Bicycle Types

There are many types and models of bicycles. When shopping in a bicycle store the clerk will be able to show you the bikes which will fit your needs. Take a list of your biking intentions for casual, bike touring, racing, daily transportation, or greater challenges. This list will help to determine if gears are essential or not. If possible rent or borrow different types of bikes to gain some actual experience or familiarity.

The advantage of renting or borrowing a bike is a free sampling and knowing with certainty how the bike will be used for your hobby interest.

When visiting or vacationing rent a bike. Take a bike for a tour of a small town, a city bike path, a country path, or on a beach boardwalk.

Do you live in a mountainous area? The Mountain bike is a great choice. This bike style has gears which makes it easier to ride up and down steep inclines and assorted sizes of hills.

Leisure and recreation would be biking on easy terrain and short rides. For example, riding bicycle paths in a park or taking a leisure Sunday ride. No equipment is needed; no special clothing is necessary, and no need for gears. It is the basic traditional bike.

The utility bike or a hybrid is used for shopping, transportation to and from work, and running assorted errands. It is a sturdy bike for everyday use. The hybrid bike also has more speed on city streets.

Maintenance and Repair

Never to young to learn bike maintenance and repair. | Source

Did you receive a bike as a gift, hand-me-down, or find a throw-away that you are willing to fix? These are three ways of the most economical methods of acquiring a bike. Free is always great!

However, you may be able to find a used bike for $25 or more.

New purchases:

Low end pricing - $80 - $300

Mid range pricing - $300 - $1000

High range pricing - $1000 plus

Helmets $30-$40

Maintenance:

DIY - Cost of parts

Repair shops $50 - $100 plus the cost of parts

Bicycle Club Programs

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Bicycle Club Benefits

As a hobby you may choose to wheel alone, with a buddy, or join a bicycle club. There are many activities for any situation you choose.

Many cyclists enjoy joining a club. There are many benefits which are not available to solo or dual traveling.

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